The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is beginning preparation of an environmental analysis for a proposed travel management plan (TMP) for public lands in western Owyhee County, Idaho. The Silver City Travel Management Plan (TMP) will cover the far western portion of Owyhee County, roughly south and west of Highway 78, east of the Oregon border, and north of the Backcountry Byway (Mud Flat Road). It will establish access to BLM-managed lands for multiple-use activities, while addressing concerns related to cultural resources, wildlife habitat, user conflicts, noxious weeds and invasive species.
If you are concerned about preserving aviation access to public lands, I ask that you take the time comment on this travel management plan. To do so, please visit the link below:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=renderDefaultPlanOrProjectSite&projectId=98128&dctmId=0b0003e881075034
The DOCUMENTS link will take you to all the documents they have so far produced. The document of interest here is the Public Scoping Document. The map gives a good overview of the plan area.
The MAPS link is most important because it will lead you to the maps of the four alternatives under consideration. Download these maps and enlarge them. A look at the legend will show you there are two open airstrips noted in Alternative A (the NO ACTION alternative). This is the condition that currently exists.
You will note the other three alternatives propose to close the airstrip southwest of Grandview.
In terms of making comments, I encourage you to do so in a positive manner. Using your own words:
1) State that you are a pilot and that you regularly use a private aircraft to access public lands for recreation purposes. If you like camping, hunting, fishing, or whatever, go ahead and be specific.
2) Point out that aircraft have very minimal impacts on the high desert environment, as opposed to wheeled vehicles.
3) Request that aviation be identified as a valid mode of transportation access within the study area.
4) Specifically object to the closure of any existing airstrips in the study area.
The comment period closes 30 March 2018. Email your comments to: [email protected]
Thanks in advance for your efforts. Your involvement will make a difference.
Richard Mayes, Oregon State Liaison
Recreational Aviation Foundation
916-220-2041
[email protected] | http://theraf.org/
“The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, maintains and creates airstrips for recreational access.”
